2015-2016 Mainstage productions

This Pulitzer Prize-winning musical distills past and present into enchanting, poignant truths about art, love and life. Inspired by George Seurat’s world-famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, this play breathes life into the masterpiece and paints an artistic portrait of Seurat himself and his obsession with art. Then it fast-forwards 100 years to his great-grandson as a mirror to the past.

Hannah loves gorillas, but she’s never seen a real one. It’s the night before her birthday and something amazing is about to happen. Join Hannah and the world’s friendliest gorilla as they embark on a thrilling, moonlit adventure in this adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Anthony Browne, England’s former Children’s Laureate. A treat for the young and young at heart. Please note: This one-act performance is in the UH Mānoa jungle Art Gallery and is floor seating.

A powerful demon wants a beautiful goddess for his wife. Legendary monkey brothers Subali and Sugriwa are enlisted to help the gods repel the rejected suitor’s armies in a story told through wayang listrik, a modern Balinese theatre genre that blends shadow puppetry (wayang kulit), dance and music. Traditional carved leather puppets, actors as shadow puppets, Balinese dance, and a live gamelan orchestra share the stage.

Showcasing UH Mānoa undergraduate and graduate student dancers, the annual dance concert is a feast of movement, lights, sound and technology. With choreography from UH Mānoa dance faculty as well as carefully selected guest artists—this show links exciting scientific theories and exploration with the virtuosity and expressivity of dance. Popular science meets dynamic expression; fun for the whole family!